Homes are a quasi-purchase of a place to live and a quasi-investment just about everywhere. I think it's more important to get a house you love to live in versus one that will appreciate. I would rather not have so much of my net worth tied into a home (I have more than I'd care for as it is!)

I know some people that made 50% on their townhome in about two years of ownership. They likely would have made another 20% since they sold it, considering what other like homes are selling for in that development.

Minneapolis is regularly considered an unaffordable city for homes... but a home like that, assuming it's a little old would go for the $180's to $200's depending on the suburb. It would be almost impossible to find a similar new home, as they would be much larger.

Indianapolis really tempted me... a 4 BR 2.5 BA house with approx 2600 square feet and a 3-car attached garage on a smallish but decent lot for under $160,000.

Brad "Diva": 2004 Mazda 6s 5-door, Volcanic Red Rex: 1988 Mazda RX-7 Vert, Harbor Blue.